Summertime and outdoor grilling go hand in hand. It is important to take proper care of the grill and use safety rules when grilling.

With the following tips, you will enjoy grilling and at the same time care for your grill correctly.

- Before using your grill, spray the grates with a cooking spray. It will make cleaning the grill much easier.

- Gas grills should be checked to make sure there are no leaks or blockage. Make sure the grill is turned off and completely cool when working with it.

Inspect the burner and gas supply tubes for spider webs, grease buildup, rusted areas - anything that could slow down the gas flow. Clean these areas following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Also, check the igniter switch and all wiring for secure connections. Test the igniter switch to be sure the grill is lighting properly and the flame is burning evenly.

- To clean the grill, turn off the grill and let it cool slightly. Loosen residue with a brass bristly brush. Once the grill is completely cool, wipe the inside and outside surfaces with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Rinse and wipe dry.

- Clean out the ashes regularly. When the grill is off and completely cool, remove the grates from the inside of the grill.

If there's no ash catcher underneath the bowl, use a garden trowel to scoop out the ashes. If the grill has an ash catcher, be sure to clean it, too, once the ashes are removed.

Carefully discard ashes in a plastic trash bag. If not handled carefully, they will fly all over and cover everything with soot.

- When your grill is not in use, it is a good idea to cover it with a grill cover. Birds enjoy using the grill as a nesting area. In no time they can fill a gas grill with nesting material. If you don't cover your grill, check it before turning it on to prevent any problems with fire.

- When using a charcoal grill, be sure to take proper precautions when finished grilling, put out the coals and store properly.

- Once a year, give the grill a good cleaning inside and out. After each use, take the time to clean the grates. Good maintenance and proper use will extend the life of the grill.

Lorene Bartos is an Extension educator with Lancaster County Extension of the University of Nebraska. She can be contacted by telephone at (402) 441-7180; by mail at 444 Cherrycreek Road, Lincoln, NE 68528; or by e-mail at lbartos1@unl.edu.